Pregnancy discrimination is a serious issue affecting women in places of employment. It is also against the law, and if you have experienced it, you could be entitled to compensation, among other legal remedies.
An Atlanta pregnancy discrimination lawyer could help. Call Feldman Legal Group for a case evaluation and begin the process of holding your employer accountable for discrimination. Our team of workplace discrimination lawyers will fight aggressively to protect you, build a solid case, and seek legal remedies that you want and deserve.
What Laws Protect Against Pregnancy Discrimination?
Laws protect workers from pregnancy discrimination. Employers may not treat pregnant applicants or employees any differently than their non-pregnant counterparts.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 was added onto the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as an amendment. Employers with at least 15 employees are not allowed to discriminate against an employee or applicant because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) grants an eligible employee up to 12 weeks of leave for family or medical reasons, which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and bonding with a new child. The leave is unpaid, but the employee’s job is protected, which means that the employer may not fire them for taking leave. FMLA protections apply to men taking time off to care for their pregnant or postpartum partners and bond with a child as well.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires certain employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees or applicants due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions as long as the employer will not suffer an undue hardship as a result. Additional restroom breaks, modification to uniform, leave for medical appointments, or allowing a water bottle are some examples of reasonable accommodations.
Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated negatively or unfairly because of their pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition linked to pregnancy. The unfair treatment can come from a boss, hiring manager, co-worker, or entity connected to the work the individual does. It can be covert or outright. A few examples of pregnancy discrimination include:
- A job applicant is not given a job after the hiring manager meets her in person for an interview and notices her pregnancy
- A pregnant woman is overlooked for a promotion she was next in line for
- An employer fires or demotes a pregnant employee
- An employer forces a pregnant worker to take unpaid leave
- A pregnant employee is harassed because of her pregnancy
- An employer refuses to provide a reasonable accommodation to a pregnant employee for pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions
Pregnancy discrimination can happen outside of the typical length of a standard pregnancy. It can occur through childbirth and the postpartum period of recovery. This type of discrimination unfairly affects women and can have negative results on both a person’s personal and professional life. An Atlanta attorney could account for all the negative effects a pregnant woman suffers due to discrimination when taking legal action.
Legal Remedies Available
An individual who has experienced pregnancy discrimination has various legal remedies available to them. A pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Atlanta could help with gathering documentation and filing a formal complaint. Seeking compensation for damages incurred because of the discrimination is a powerful legal remedy. Compensation can be sought for lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees. Reinstatement or promotion are possibilities too.
Resolutions are often found without needing to file civil lawsuits. Working with an experienced team increases your chances of reaching the best outcome for you.
For Help With a Pregnancy Discrimination Claim, Call Our Atlanta Attorneys
Dealing with pregnancy discrimination during what can be a sensitive time can be frustrating and difficult. If you believe you are facing pregnancy discrimination at work or during a job search, reach out to a lawyer.
Our Atlanta pregnancy discrimination lawyers will evaluate your case and determine your likelihood of success. We are dedicated to our clients, fighting aggressively for their best interests. Contrary to popular belief, having a good case is not always enough; you need an employment attorney who is experienced, passionate, and will do everything to get you results. Give us a call as soon as possible.
(877) 946-8293